Severus and Hermione lay in their bed that night, neither one saying a word. Finally Hermione spoke up.
"Severus, it's time that we talk about what to do with the children when I'm gone" she said. "I don't think you'll have much of a problem raising them on your own. You'll have help between Mazie, and our family friends. I'm sure that Ginny will be willing to help you deal with the girls as they're growing up. All I want for them is happiness and success. The only thing I worry about is your temper because you know you have a tendency to go a little overboard with punishments. I expect them to further their education beyond Hogwarts.
"I know that you expect me to say something, but I honestly am at a loss for words. Three hours ago I learned that the love of my life could be gone at any moment. I don't know what to do. As for punishing our children I'll leave that up to Mazie, and I yes I expect our children to attend University. And as soon I get home tomorrow we'll talk to the children. Have you by chance talked to Headmistress McGonagall and told our family friends?" Severus asked.
"Well, that's why Tonks was hired for my position because I told Minerva that I was very sick. And as for our friends, I sent them all owls before we left for dinner, so I expect many letters in the morning." Hermione answered.
"Okay dear, is there anything else we need to discuss before I fall asleep, my mind is full and my eyelids are drooping" asked Severus.
"No, nothing that can't till tomorrow." Hermione replied.
Severus rolled over and pulled his frail wife into his arms, he kissed her said "I love you so much."
"I love you too Sev," she said before falling asleep.
About ten minuets before he was to wake up to get ready for the day Severus felt Hermione climb out his arms and out of the bed. He heard her walk across the room to the door, and then he heard a thud. Quickly he sat up and looked to the area between the bed and the door and saw Hermione on the ground. He threw back the covers and rushed to his unconscious wife. He picked her up and ran out the door of their home, never mind that he was wearing only pajama pants ran as fast as possible to the infirmary where the new medi-witch Madame Sullivan was just walking up.
"Madame Sullivan," cried Severus "It's Hermione, sh-she collapsed when she got out of bed."
"Breathe Professor, and lay her down on this cot" instructed a calm Madame Sullivan.
"You, you know she's sick don't you? Please, please save her," pleaded Severus.
"Yes, I know she's sick, and I'll do the best I can, but for now I need you to calm down so I can work. Better yet, go take a walk or something," suggested the medi-witch..."
A distraught Severus took her advice and headed out of the infirmary. He paced in the corridor for about five minuets until he realized that he had left his four children sleeping at home. "MAZIE" he yelled. The sleepy house elf arrived with a crack.
"Yes, master?" Mazie asked.
"Mrs. Snape is very sick and has collapsed. I rushed her up here as soon as it happened and left the children at home sleeping, and I need you to watch them.
"Yes sire, Mazie lives to serve the noble house of Snape. I wish Mrs. Snape well," with that she was gone.
Severus wandered through the halls until he found himself standing outside of Headmistress McGonagall's office. He uttered the password and was let in. He knocked on the inner door to the office and he heard the headmistress telling him to come in. As Severus walked into her office she gave him a quizzical look.
"Morning Professor Snape," said Minerva "My, aren't we a tad bit undressed this morning in your no shirt and pajama pants."
Severus blushed and said "I'm sorry, it's just that as you know Hermione is sick and she collapsed this morning and I rushed her up to the infirmary and I didn't have time to dress. When I came up here I had forgotten that I was practically starkers. I needed to tell you that I obviously will not be teaching today, and I would like for you to accompany me back to the infirmary. You're a comforting soul Minerva and I need comfort."
"Yes Severus, I do not expect you to be teaching today, in fact maybe you should consider resigning your post for a short time. And yes, I will go with you on the condition that you go home, put on some appropriate attire and kiss every one of your children save Tobias for you can do that later once his classes are," said Minerva.
"Okay" he replied. "I'll meet you at the infirmary in about ten minuets.